Stoops says Bell’s days as a QB are over

DALLAS — Blake Bell was known as “The Belldozer” during his days as a hard-running quarterback earlier in his career with Oklahoma.

Bell won’t be under center any more, OU coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday at the Big 12 media days.

Instead, his transformation to become a tight end for the Sooners appears complete as his senior season begins.

The 6-foot-6, 258-pound Bell’s transformation to his new position, as well as the Sooners’ depth at his old position, will make his transition complete.

“It’s funny that keeps coming up,” Stoops said about repeated questions about Bell returning to quarterback. “When you look at him, he is the prototype tight end. He’s got great hands, great size. He can run.”

During his first two seasons with the Sooners, Bell produced 372 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. He earned the starting job midway through the 2013 season after Trevor Knight was injured. Bell appeared in 11 games, passing for 1,648 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Bell’s father, Mark, played six years in the NFL as a defensive end and a tight end. And according to Stoops, the younger Bell is quickly following in his father’s footsteps at his new position.

“It’s in his genes,” Stoops said. “His dad was an NFL tight end for (six) years. I think he’s really going to impact us in a great way.”